You can add a handwritten signature to Word in three ways: draw with Word’s Draw tab, insert a photo or scan of a signature, or create a signature image in a drawing app and insert it. These methods add visible handwriting to the page. If you need Word’s certificate-backed digital signature feature, use a digital signature line instead.
Draw a signature directly in Word
- Open the document and place the cursor where the signature should appear.
- On a version of Word that supports inking, select the Draw tab and choose a pen.
- Use a stylus, touchscreen, or supported mouse input to write your name. If Word selects text instead of drawing, choose the pen again.
- Adjust the pen color or thickness if needed, then save the document.
The Draw controls depend on your Word version and device. In Word for Windows, you can show a missing Draw tab under File > Options > Customize Ribbon; Microsoft also says the document should be in Print Layout when using ink. If these controls are unavailable, insert a signature image using the next method.
Insert a photo or scan of your signature
- Sign your name on plain paper with a dark pen.
- Scan it or take a clear, evenly lit photo. Crop away excess paper and save the result as a PNG or JPEG.
- In Word, place the cursor where you want the signature, then choose Insert > Pictures and select the saved image.
- Drag a corner handle to resize the image without distorting it. If you need freer placement, select the image and choose a suitable Wrap Text option.
- Save the Word document.
A transparent PNG can blend with a colored page better than a photo with a white rectangle, but a clear ordinary image is enough for most letters. Keep the reusable signature image somewhere private: anyone with access to that file can copy its appearance.
Draw outside Word and insert the image
If you cannot ink in Word, draw your signature in a local drawing app, save it as PNG, and insert it through Insert > Pictures. A stylus usually gives smoother strokes than a mouse. Avoid uploading a signature to an unfamiliar online drawing service.
Can I use Insert > Shapes > Scribble?
Some desktop versions of Word offer Insert > Shapes > Scribble. You can use it to draw a freeform line, but it may be awkward for handwriting and the available controls vary by version. The Draw tab or a saved image is usually easier.
Is this a digital signature?
Word’s digital signature line is a different feature. It can attach a certificate-backed signature and make the signed document read-only. A picture or ink stroke only shows a signature visually; saving or exporting the document does not by itself prove who signed it or prevent later changes. If a recipient has specific signing requirements, follow those requirements.
Troubleshooting
- The picture covers text: Select it and change Wrap Text, or move it to a blank line.
- The image looks fuzzy: Start with a sharper scan or photo and avoid enlarging a tiny file.
- Draw is missing: Check your Word version, device, ribbon settings, and Print Layout view. The image method works without inking.
Microsoft’s instructions: Draw and write with ink in Office, Add a signature line, and Insert scanned images into Word.
Matt has been writing about Microsoft Windows and other Microsoft products since the days of Windows XP. He spends much of his time writing for sites like WindowBrain.com